From ReefPedia

[edit] Leopard shark Scientific Name Triakis semifasciatus Max. Size: 6.5 feet/2 metres for females, about 5.9 feet/1.8 meters for males. Both sexes tend to average about 4.9-5.25 feet (1.5-1.6 meters). Tank Size:' Minimum 1,000 gallons for small pups, Minimum of 7,500 gallons for a single adult. Aggression: While not overly aggressive, they are an active species. Hardiness: They are a quite hardy, so long as water temps are less than 75F and the desolved oxygen levels are fairly high. Reef-Safe: (ADD HERE) Available as captive-bred: no

pic coming soon

Physical Description

patterned like a more striking tiger shark, the leopard shark has a series of brown bands vertically across the body, but not all the way down.

Distribution

Eastern Pacific Ocean - from Oregon to the central coast of Mexico.

Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About

• Family: Triakidae - Smooth hound sharks.

• Genus: Triakis - Banded Hounds

• Species: semifasciata

Behavior

this shark will swim about 80-90% of the time, and needs much space to move around. But is able to rest on the bottom for brief periods with no ill effects.

Feeding

Feeds primarily on small fish(anchives, Herring, silversides, gobies, & perches) and invertebrates(shrimp, crab, clams & octopuses).

Breeding

ovoviviparous - usually gives birth the 4-20 young after a 12 month gestation period. Young are usually born at about 8 inches(20cm) in length. Also is known to breed in captivity.

Social Structure

This species is known to be very social - and is often seen with other leopard sharks, or even other species of smoothhounds.

Current Views

Additional Notes

this shark is suited for large swimming pool sized - saltwater ponds, as the beautiful markings can be seen clearly and due to swimming space it needs. At present it is illegal to keep, buy or sell any Leopard shark that is under 36 inches(91cm) in total length, in the United States. Leopard sharks tend to do best when kept in water temperatures between 57-72F(14-22C).